Royal Treasures from the Louvre at the Legion of Honor

About the Exhibit--

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco present an unparalleled collection of decorative arts from the Musée du Louvre, Paris, including some of the most exquisite treasures of the French monarchy from the time of Louis XIV until the Revolution of 1789. Royal Treasures from the Louvre: Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette is the story of French royal patronage, and the showcased objects in the exhibition are nothing less than dazzling: the Gobelins manufactory’s masterhttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/2/4/event_172561572.jpegwork mosaic tabletop of semiprecious stones; the gemmes de la couronne, precious hardstone vases collected by Louis XIV; the présents du Roi, including diamond-and-gem snuffboxes made for the royal family to present as gifts; personal items made for Louis XV’s private use or for use by his mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, including exquisite Sèvres porcelain and silver; and Marie-Antoinette’s personal collection of precious vases made of agate and other hardstones.

Many of the objects in the exhibition have never been shown in the United States and indeed, several have never left France. Royal Treasures from the Louvre: Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette Is an unparalleled collection of decorative objects from France’s most illustrious royalty, direct from the Musée du Louvre, and displayed for the first time in the United States in this exclusive presentation.

Where, When & How Much--

Meet inside the museum cafe for coffee/conversation from 9:30-10:45-ish then head into the exhibition together (10:45-12:30-ish).

You can buy your ticket in advance here https://tickets.famsf.org/public/show.asp or at the museum when you arrive. Prices are $20 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $16 students w/ID and free for members.

Receive a $2 discount on your ticket when you arrive by Muni. Just show a fast pass or transfer stub to the cashier.

There is a $3 fee payable to the Bay Area Museum Meetup when you RSVP, which defrays subscription costs and discourages no-shows. Thank you for your understanding.

The Legion of Honor is accessible via Muni bus lines 18-46th Avenue, 38-Geary, and 1-California. Find out more about public transportation and driving directions here: http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/legion/visiting/getting-legion-honor

How to Reach the Event Host--

I can be reached through meetup until 7:00 am on December 1st. After that, I can't be reached by phone, email, morse code or mental telepathy. Plan in advance and leave yourself enough time for transportation delays etc. I'll be wearing a magenta scarf and will meet you inside the musuem cafe.

Other Stuff at the Legion--

The exhibition ticket includes entry to the permanent collection, so you may decide to stay longer and enjoy all that the Legion is offering today, including:

12:00 Docent tour of "Highlights of the European Collection" (free)

1:00 Docent tour of "The Path to Picasso: European Sculpture at the Legion" (free)

2:00 Lecture "Sicily: Art and Invention Between Greece and Rome" by Dr. Claire Lyons from the J. Paul Getty Museum ($5 suggested donation)

4:00 Organ recital of pop, Hollywood and Broadway classics by David Hegarty (free)

PS Re: The History Reading Circle--

This event has been cross-posted with the History Reading Circle in tandem with a book called The Man Who Outshone the Sun King. (HRC members are shown as my guests in the attendance list.) It is not necessary to read the book! There will not be a formal discussion. This outing is about making new friends, enjoying good company, and viewing an interesting exhibit together. All the same, if you would like to find out more about the book, click here: https://www.meetup.com/History-Reading-Circle-SF/events/87107972/